Maximizing Your bbcon Expertise: Ideas from an Attendee

As a very long time bbcon attendee, I’ve been to extra bbcons than I can keep in mind. It’s one in all my favourite conferences to go to, and I like to satisfy my fellow database nerds. Whether or not it’s your first time attending otherwise you’re a “bbcon professional” like me, I’ve put collectively my prime ten ideas that can assist you get probably the most out of this yr’s convention so you’ve got an equally nice expertise.

1. Put on comfy footwear. I can’t stress this sufficient. It feels like a bizarre one to start out off with, however I’ve seen multiple particular person’s day minimize brief resulting from blisters and ache. Final yr I walked a mean of 8 miles a day, simply within the convention heart. Depart the costume footwear and heels at house, or simply bust them out for the occasions.
2. Go over the agenda beforehand. Plan out your days and all the time have a plan B. And be open to pivoting rapidly. I like to take a look at all of the completely different periods beforehand, plan my day trip, and have a fantastic concept of what my day goes to seem like. However I depart loads of room for modifications in case I hear loads of buzz a few specific session and resolve to test it out on the final minute. In case you are going with a buddy, cut up up and every go to separate periods, then evaluate notes.
3. Ask questions! Don’t be shy. I promise, presenters love to get questions. It means individuals are listening and engaged. There’s nothing worse than pouring hours of time into creating what you suppose is a superb session and getting zero suggestions or questions. And sometimes, if in case you have a query the presenter can’t reply, one other attendee might need a solution. Take loads of notes too so you may keep in mind what stood out to you or what concepts the periods spurred about how one can apply the learnings in your personal group.
4. Be curious. Attend a session about one thing utterly new to you. Sit at a desk with full strangers at lunch. Take part within the challenges that the Blackbaud Group and Blackbaud Champions of us arrange. Break exterior of your consolation and data zone, that is the place for it.
5. Deliver snacks, hydrate, and don’t be shy about letting your meals preferences be recognized beforehand. Blackbaud does a fantastic job of accumulating your meals preferences while you register. The venues usually do an incredible job of fulfilling these requests. You probably have a brilliant fascinating weight-reduction plan, your meals could also be off to the aspect. Ensure you eat correctly and drink a ton of water. You’ll be strolling loads and your mind will probably be burning energy too. At the least that’s what I inform myself as I skip the health club! Did you neglect your water bottle at house? I guess you will discover one within the vendor reveals!
6. Talking of vendor reveals, do test it out. Go and speak to your favourite distributors in addition to ones you’ve by no means used. Attend demos and work together. It’s a good way to actually get to check out merchandise, study new merchandise, and have loads of enjoyable. It’s additionally a pleasant strategy to meet, in actual life, your contacts at completely different firms and make that private connection. Deliver a backpack for the swag!
7. Take breaks when you have to. It’s simple to get caught up within the whirlwind of exercise. It’s OK to take a break, return to your lodge room and take a nap, or curl up in a nook with a cup of tea and a guide for a bit. I’m an introvert and the queen of social burnout, so I really schedule break time in. Even in the event you’re a complete extrovert, taking time to recharge your batteries helps.
8. It’s OK to do issues exterior of the convention! Likelihood is the convention will not be in your house metropolis. Make sure that to take some time to examine issues out exterior of the convention heart. I prefer to go just a few days early and take just a few PTO days to actually expertise new locations. There are few issues worse than getting back from a visit and having folks ask, “How was Seattle?” and solely with the ability to say, “Nicely, their convention heart is good.”
9. Get contact information from everybody. I get contact info for a ton of individuals—from presenters, to distributors, to different attendees. I maintain just a little notice in my pocket book about our dialog at bbcon so I can observe up. I’ve made some nice connections that manner and it’s good to have somebody to show to with questions. I really don’t have enterprise playing cards, however I do print some as much as convey with me. They’re useful for coming into vendor drawings too!
10. Apply to be a presenter subsequent yr! Don’t be shy! It’s a good way to follow your public talking expertise and share what you recognize with others. I usually prioritize going to displays by customers, and I do know many others do as effectively; I like to listen to from individuals who actively use the product. Use your time at bbcon to get inspiration for what you would discuss subsequent yr.